So for those who don’t know, I will soon find myself in Tanzania trekking up Mt Kilimanjaro with a colleague. The plan is to spend a total of 7-8 days going up the mountain.
When you read the websites of the tour operator companies, it’s extremely tempting to think that because it is not a technical climb (where climbing gear is required), that it is just a simple walk in the park, so-to-speak. However, thank goodness for the multiple sources on the Internet! This climb seems like it is going to be very challenging. I am a bit concerned that the endurance and strength training I have been doing might not be enough. My goal is to reach the summit (something that only about 64% of the people attempting the climb on my route actually accomplish) and to be part of the percentage that gets up there. In addition to increasing my training, I have been walking and changed my diet considerably since 01 January. We’ll see if I am successful to get to the top of the summit! What I am missing unfortunately is some form of altitude training that is not available in Stockholm, but in talking to the Climb company, I added in an extra day beyond the normal in order to get used to the altitude.
I am really looking forward to this climb. It will make my trek up the Great Wall seems like a stroll in comparison.
SO wish me luck, health, and success dear friends! I am eager to make it to the summit and to share my success with you 🙂
So it’s been a couple of weeks since I went to Israel and now I am finally finding some time to write about my experiences.
I was there for 5 days (11-16 December) and I was mainly in Tel Aviv with a day trip to Jerusalem. I considered this to be an “overview trip” which is what I call any trip where I am visiting a country for the first time and spend less than a week there. Even in the smallest of nations you need a week at a minimum to take in all of the sites.
If I had to summarise my experience of my trip, I would say that I loved it in Tel Aviv. Jerusalem was okay too, but I have to say that I liked Tel Aviv a lot more. Is Jerusalem is a very religious city, Tel Aviv is it’s secular opposite and as such, in my mind that made it a bit more fun.
For this trip I once again decided to book an apartment rental for the week through AirBnB instead of paying for a hotel room. To be honest, hotel room rates for the “international standard” hotels are as expensive as Stockholm, London, or Paris. Which given the price of things in Israel makes hotels like the Hilton, Sheraton, etc really really expensive. So basically for about €50/night I rented a 90 sqm apartment with bedroom, nice bathroom, nice living area, and a small balcony to myself and saved about 60% compared to a hotel. Raviv (whom I rented the apartment from) was a fantastic host and basically it is my second fantastic AirBnB experience. For personal travel, I might just decide to always use AirBnB. My apartment was located next to the Carmel market which is where can get a taste of bargaining and haggling (to a point) for everything from textiles to food. I was 5 minutes away from the beach and a short 15 minute walk away from everything I wanted. So I was at the perfect location. Central, but not in the middle of everything.
Being pleased with my accommodations, the first night I didn’t set out too far from the apartment. I took my map and took a walk around to get familiar with the area and get a general lay of the land. It was nice to trade in my winter jacket for a light parka. I found a cozy restaurant near my apartment and had a nice meal. Where I lived seemed to be a melting pot of cultures and it showed in the people who surrounded me. And it showed in the food I was eating too 🙂 After the restaurant I took a bit of a further walk and found a bar where there were lots of smiling and laughing people. So after settling in for a drink, I got to talking with an Israeli couple (a guy and a girl) and we had a really nice conversation. A couple of rounds later they had to leave so I stayed a bit longer to finish my drink. I ended up chatting with a couple more people and basically ended the night at the bar in listening mode. I listened to their stories, their impressions, and opinions. But I didn’t have any opinions to offer of my own (perhaps that frustrated them at times, but their thoughts were more interesting than mine because they live the experience whereas I am just a visitor).
The next day I woke up rather late (thanks for those killer gin and tonics). Now to understand me in vacation mode is to understand that I operate without an agenda. Before I got to Tel Aviv I made a list with 9 things I wanted to see and do, but it is just a list. It can be changed whenever I want and there is no prescribed order or priority to anything. I actually spent an unusually long time on my balcony drinking coffee and eating some of the bread, fruits, and yoghurt I got at the market the night before. I spent the day essentially walking around and looking at monuments, visiting the Art Museum, and buying a local sim card (since it included internet access which meant I wouldn’t be disconnected from the digital world entirely). A stop for a drink, a bit to eat, or a coffee here and there and I have to say that I felt pretty good with my Wednesday. I made my own dinner (the perk of renting an apartment) where I tried (and failed) to make “Middle East-inspired Tapas”. They weren’t all bad. They just weren’t all good either *lol* After dinner, I decided to make my way out to some gay bars and cafes. A lot of hours later, I eventually made it home to the apartment. Not really intoxicated by any means, but more looking forward to seeing the nightlife on the weekend (which is Israel is on Friday and Saturday). The one thing I notice here clearly is that all active duty soldiers (mostly the guys though) carry their guns with them everywhere they go. I was curious and asked why and the one soldier who talked with me said it was because at any minute they might need to be deployed and that doesn’t always include time to run back to the barracks to get their weapons. Fair enough. I didn’t feel more or less safe because of it. I’ve seen this in other countries so I wasn’t fazed. The other thing you notice is that you are required to pass through a metal detector in major building (government buildings, malls, pretty much any building that would be well-visited). It felt a bit sad that this is required, but one can clearly understand the safety reasons for it.
On Thursday, I decided that this was the day to visit Jerusalem. So after another leisurely breakfast, I left around 09.00 for the 75 minute bus ride to Jerusalem. I started my day there as I start every holiday – getting lost in the city (the new part). In this case, I got really really lost and missed some things that I wanted to see in the newer part of Jerusalem. I ended up taking a taxi to the older part of Jerusalem where I saw the Western Wall, The Dome of the Rock, and was wandering through a maze of shops and stalls. Whilst I can say that Jerusalem was peaceful, you could sense a tension near the sites of religious significance. At no time did I feel unsafe, and basically there was a strong armed presence of Israeli soldiers, but in some areas of the city, you could feel that the peace is tenuous. In this trip I decided to skip over Bethlehem, but I will look forward to visiting them in the next trip that I made to Israel. After wandering around aimless for another 2 hours taking in more monuments and sights, I headed back for Tel Aviv. In the evening I met a colleague (Amit) who was kind enough to bring me out to dinner and then drive me around Tel Aviv giving me a tour of the different residential areas. It was great to catch up with Amit. In my next trip, I will for sure catch up with Schlomo who I haven’t seen in ages (promise promise promise!)
On Friday I had a rather light day. More exploring areas of Tel Aviv, and making some final purchases before the Sabbath (which is from Friday late afternoon until Saturday early evening). Basically most things close because of the Sabbath. There are some small exceptions, but all public services and most shops observe the Sabbath even in Tel Aviv. So it was interesting to have most of the city shut down on a day I would expect it to mostly stay open. That being said, I have the feeling that Tel Aviv was more open than Jerusalem would be because Tel Aviv is more secular in nature and has more tourists. I ended up starting my evening at a bar where I met up with some British travellers who were trekking through. Several beers later we made an agreement to meet at the bar again for some goodbye drinks since they were really good guys. They tried to give me tips on picking up the ladies for which I laughed and then offered to give them tips for picking up guys (more laughter ensued). I went back to my apartment after stopping at the market to shop for the items to make dinner. After making dinner (not as adventurous this time, tabbouleh and grilled chicken with some spices from the market), I took a nap and then headed out to the bars and clubs. For some reason I was more tired than excited to go out and then went home pretty early, but not before meeting a cool guy and we hung out for a bit.
Saturday was also pretty cool. Got a late start to the day so I decided to walk to Yafo (Jaffa) and explore the port areas and the side streets. I have to say that I liked this part of town too. It felt very lively. Waked along the beach for a bit and took a lot of pictures and then eventually after several hours made it back home just in time for the Sabbath to end and the city to come alive again. I decided to take some dinner at the restaurant from the first night. Then I took an evening walk around the city and decided to hit the gay bars and clubs again. They were crowded but not overloaded which I enjoyed and ending up having a great night, even though it was a Saturday (which is their version of Sunday).
Sunday arrives and it is time to go home. I clean up the apartment, take a relaxed and leisurely breakfast, and then go to meet the British boys for a couple more rounds. I think were all were surprised that we showed up 🙂 So we talked about the weekend and what we did since we last met. We inevitably made the comparisons between Israel and our respective home countries. Some hand shakes and best wishes on future travels and then it was time for me to return back to my apartment to check out. I met Raviv (owner of the apartment), thanked him for letting me rent his apartment and then was on my way to the airport.
Now…the airport experience requires its very own section. Coming into the airport (which is billed as the World’s Most Secure Airport) I was stopped by security who asked me some basic questions (first time here? who am I visiting? etc, etc?). This lasted for about 75 seconds. I then went onwards to Customs/Immigration Border agents who basically asked me the same set of questions. This time the questioning took about 3 minutes and I had to show the address of where I was staying. And basically I was done. I have heard many stories of it taking hours from when you land to when you get our baggage and leave the airport, but I experienced none of that. I don’t have any reasons as to why my experience was the way it was, but I don’t ask questions. I’m a rather vanilla kinda of guy I guess. The “fun” came in leaving Israel…
When you get to the airport, there is someone in uniform who is clearly profiling people, and he ended up profiling me. Again, asking about 30 seconds worth of questions. Then you get into the queue to get to the check-in for your flight. From there you are subjected to more behavioral interviewing, your bags go through an initial scan, they can potentially go through a more detailed examination, and then you get to check in. I missed the initial detailed examination probably because I only have a carry on). I check in and then go to the security gates. At the security gate, then my bag get the full work over. Everything is tested for explosives and scanned and I answer questions about any items they wonder about. It is clear that speed is not the concern – it is safety. But again, you understand the reasons behind it, so it is nothing to get frustrated about. And they seem to treat most people equally. Like with any multi-faceted security approach, they have visible and non-visible methods. Whatever helps them to achieve security given the environment I am okay with it. I was only surprised that it took 2 hours to complete the experience (note: I wasn’t examined for 2 hours…the waiting and the speed of the line is the time waster). So after that it was soon time to board (and get in some duty shopping) and then a short time later back in the coldness of Scandinavia and Sweden.
Overall, I would gladly repeat what I said at the beginning – Israel was a great experience and I look forward to visiting again. The people I met were genuine, nice, and sincere. Right now I am planning to celebrate Tel Aviv Pride in June as the next time I return. Anyone want to join me? 🙂
Finally, here are some pictures for those who would like to see what random things I took pictures of. There link goes to all of the pictures, but here are some of my favourites…
A randon picture in Tel Aviv along the beachPrayers being given against the Western Wall, a wall of religious significance to Jewish and Muslim faithsDome of the Rock from the exterior…I wasn’t allowed inside 🙁Picture of old Jerusalem from where I was standingA marketplace in Jerusalem. I didn’t buy anything, but then I have enough stuff already…Me with the ocean at my back. 20 degrees is winter in Israel, but summer to me.
So I celebrated Thanksgiving this last Satuday, November 24th I would have liked to have celebrated it on Thursday, November 22nd like they did in the US, but we don’t get that day off in Sweden so I had to move it to the weekend.
I have to say that the turkey and all of the side dishes turned out very well! And the desserts were very tasty as well!
I didn’t take so many pictures of my Thanksgiving cooking adventures, but judging by everyone’s comments, I think I did a really good job. My mother and sisters would have been very proud.
It was the fourth Thanksgiving I have hosted in Sweden since I moved here. I hope to host it again next year. It’s a wonderful wonderful tradition 😀
–R–
P.S. After eating turkey for 3 of the last 4 days, I can tell you that the magical feeling has worn off 😀 Thanksgiving dinner 3 nights in a row is enough for me! Now to do new and interesting things with all of the leftovers – including turkey corn chili, turkey soup, turkey burgers, etc, etc. After this I won’t be eating turkey for quite a few months 😀
So now I am on my way back to Stockholm after a wonderful weekend with Candice and Johan! They are so amaing it is hard not to end the weekend on a real high note. Lots of relaxing, eating, talking and laughing, and some work around the house. I couldn’t have asked for a better weekend! It really helped me to re-balance myself on what is important. I dare say i think that I found my Walden Pond 🙂
I feel in some way that I head back into uncertainty as the train speeds towards Stockholm. There are conversations that are waiting to be had and decisions made off of those conversations that are waiting to be made. But the uncertainty is not nervousness…it’s a welcome anticipation to sort things I should have sorted long ago.
But I feel great 🙂 just wanted to share that with you all 🙂
So the theme this week is about having a reboot – in many different ways. A reboot is needed when:
– A big error has occurred and it cannot be recovered (e.g. Computer crash) – You’ve made an improvement to something basic and you start something again to see the benefit of it (e.g. Diet and exercise) – You aren’t completely happy with the result, so you want to try the same concept again to see if it yields something different (e.g. Movie franchise series)
It just so happens that I have experienced all 3 this week 🙂
So with my computer problems fixed, and getting back on my diet and exercise routine, I now am working on the third part. In part thanks to the wonderful public and private messages I have received from my “Brain Drain” post. I am reminded of how many wonderful and insightful friends I have around me who messaged, skyped, and called me to ensure I was okay. I don’t spent enough time with you all. I turn down too many invitations. I have defined fun in terms of the name of the restaurant or club instead of the people around me. I recognise that I am part of my own “problem.” I need to once again become a disruptive force in my own life. It was that way of thinking that made me decided to live in France for a summer when I was younger; that caused me to pull up roots and move to Sweden; to make it a goal to stroll confidentlly where angels fear to tread; and to where necessary, be willing to make radical changes to my social networks to enjoy and appreciate a diversity of people. Even time I have taken this path to shake things up from the status quo, I have been happy with the result. I need to remember that life is ultimately a people-centered experience.
So my reboot – besides a relaxing weekend at Boda Kvarn with Candice, Johan, champagne, and good company – is also to re-examine these things. So give me some time. I hope you’ll see that the change and the reboot – yield something positive.
I feel humbled that even though I am 25 years old with over a decade of experience – I am still learning and have the capacity to do so.
Well now it is all said and done….Thanksgiving dinner went amazingly well. Grade A-.
Everyone who came to last Thanksgiving agreed that this one was even better.
The minuses come because I didn’t have enough time to make the salad (but at least no one wanted salad because of all of the other food), the parsnips had a very strong flavour (because of the way I stored them prior to roasting), and I ran out of sparkling water.
The plusses were definitely the turkey (the best brining recipe yet!), the roasted sweet potatoes with honey butter, the 4-cheese baked mac & cheese, and the pecan pies.
It was also nice to include people into the group who never had a traditional Thanksgiving dinner before 😀
So I already have to think now about how to make next year even better! 😀
So, I woke up at 07.00 this morning, but I didn’t get out of bed until 07.30. I took one look at the blueberry pie I made yesterday and decided to throw it out and start new. So that required a trip to the supermarket. And of course, they sold out of things in the portion sizes I needed, so I just decided to make 2 blueberry pies.
And of course, evaporated milk is nowhere to be found in Swedish supermarkets. So that nearly FUBAR’d the pumpkin pies. But I decided to use condensed milk (but it so much sweeter) and balance it out with regular milk. Pumpkin Pies saved!
So now I have 6 pies in total. If anyone wants to come over for pie tomorrow, please do. I insist. We’ll never eat 6 pies.
I finished the dressing for the turkey this morning and the brine seems to be very promising. The turkey went into the oven at noon. So that gave me time to clean the rest of the apartment, set the table prep for making baked macaroni and cheese (a last minute addition as the menu seemed a bit short), make whipped cream for the blueberry pie, and make a run for wines.
So today’s tasks:
1) Drink wine
2) Bake the homemade croutons and make the dressing for the salad I am creating
3) Pray for good outcome on turkey
4) Peel and cut pasnips, carrots, and sweet potatoes
5) Go get stuff forbaked mac & cheese
6) Get ready for guests
7) Fall asleep in my mashed potatoes at dinner!
So, Alex and I are on our way to Cyprus in a couple of days!
We are staying at this hotel in Agia Napa…it looks nice in the pictures and seems to get good reviews…
The plan is to take lots of pictures and then try and find a way to post some every day instead of waiting to post a lot of pictures when I get back. I don’t know how much of a success that will be though.
So today is that special day….Christmas day. Sadly I won’t be celebrating it with my family, but Alex has been kind enough to let me celebrate Christmas with him and his family.
I have to say that I really like the concept of Christmas in Sweden when compared to how it is in America (as I perceive it anyway). For starters, Sweden and Scandinavians celebrate Christmas on 24 December…a day early by my standards where we celebrate it on the actual day. And also, from what I have seen in three different Swedish households over the last 5 years (Robin, Markus, and Alex), Christmas isn’t intended to be this budget-busting, go-into-debt experience that it is in the US: Within reason of course, what the gift is as important as the fact that a gift is given. It is acceptable to send $30 a person on a gift. Maybe I am too jaded from my US experiences, but I can’t imagine that $30 gifts are acceptable from family members — only from office workmates or friends. But I don’t say that everything is wrong with Christmas in America. Indeed, I have had some wonderful memories of American Christmas.
Anyway, let’s not lose the intent of this message…
I wish everyone a very very Merry Christmas, whether around the corner from me or around the world! May you get everything you wish for, and may you give more than you receive 🙂
Well, as most of you know through my Facebook life, I wasn’t able to go to the US for Thanksgiving. I guess I should have said that I was able to go home for Thanksgiving, but as one of my Swedish friends, Johan, pointed out, isn’t Sweden really my home now? And so for the moment I accept this. Sweden is home, even if my heart is back in Boston.
So anyway, staying in Sweden this Thanksgiving, I wanted to show some of the my Swedish friends what Thanksgiving is like back at my house. So I decided to have a Thanksgiving dinner last Saturday. I only had 6 places (and actually 4 since 2 of those places were taken by Alex and I), so I decided to invite Markus and Tomas, and Alex decided to invite Johan and his roommate Henrik. It was especially cool to invite Henrik because he had never experienced Thanksgiving before.
So I took some pictures not of the entire night, but of the bird. I think I did a really good job with the bird, considering I bought him deep frozen at 14.00 the day before dinner which was at 19.30 the next day. So between the night de-frosting him, and waking up at 07.30 to get started with the stuffing and the pies (sweet potato and cherry), and thanks to Johan and Alex who assisted me throughout the day, everything went perfectly. And everyone liked dinner too. And then of course, we all went around the table and said what we were thankful for. A good time was had by all.
So here are some before and efter pictures of the bird. Some other pictures will be added as the gang sends them to me…and P.S. I now have a new respect for the women in the house who did all of the cooking. It is not easy stuff! This was the last dinner party I will through this year. So no more cooking posts for quite a while 🙂
